“Within the Middle School (Grade 7 & 8), we create a warm, supportive, and innovative learning environment. From a wide variety of club choices, global and local community initiatives, experiential educational opportunities, to exciting learning initiatives both in and out of the classroom, students and faculty work together to support and promote a love of learning.”

KATHLEEN KIRKPATRICKDirector, Middle SchoolTeacher, English

The Middle School Advantage

HOMEFORM

Small class sizes (16:1)

Courses taught by subject specialists

Extensive Guidance support programme

Students take half of their courses each day with their Home Form class, building a sense of spirit and camaraderie among classmates

A Home Form Faculty Advisor and two Senior One (Grade 11) Leaders are assigned to facilitate communication and provide support

Academics

Middle Two (Grade 8) includes four international languages (German, Mandarin, Arabic and Spanish) in addition to the required French programme

Leadership and Mentoring

Students are introduced to leadership through formal lessons and a variety of experiential education opportunities

Students participate in weekly leadership lessons facilitated by Senior One Homeform leaders

Students also have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a variety of clubs including Middle School Council, Model United Nations, Middle School Service Council and Young Round Square

Students can attend the CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference, the annual Middle School Round Square Conference and international global education trips

Middle School Presentations of Learning (POLs)

Middle Two (Grade 8) Presentations of Learning (POLs) take the place of traditional examinations

These portfolios are a culminating event celebrating academic and affective growth

POLs highlight meaningful learning experiences for teachers, peers, Home Form advisors, and parents across all aspects of their learning at Appleby

The driving question is: What should I use to show my growth as a learner throughout my Middle School years, how I have changed, and why I feel I am ready for Upper School?

national Exchange

Middle School students can apply to participate in an exchange for approximately two weeks with students from other Canadian schools

Previous students have gone to Rothesay-Netherwood School in New Brunswick, Strathcons-Tweedsmuir School in Alberta, Glenlyon-Norfolk in British Columbia and Athenian School in California (San Fransico Bay Area)

Exchange destinations are typically Young Round Square member schools

Aids in developing a sense of independence

Young Round Square

Appleby was the first Canadian school to join Round Square

Students have the opportunity to attend international conferences/exchanges and participate in International Service Projects

Based on the theories of experiential educational philosopher Kurt Hahn

Encourages personal development and responsibility in students

The Round Square King Constantine Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding commitment to community service

Outdoor Education

Strives to introduce and immerse students into a total experiential learning environment in the Canadian wilderness

In Middle One (Grade 7) students experience Outdoor Education trips to locations such as Cedar Glen

Beginning in Middle Two (Grade 8), students participate in Outdoor Education trips to Pine Crest

Vital life skills are developed such as self-confidence, understanding relationships, personal growth, and a dedicated responsibility toward our local and global communities

Service Learning

Students develop their global, international, and local understanding of community needs through participating in activities such as Walkathon, United Way week to help those in need

Educates students about the value of service in our society through experiential learning

Middle School International Service Project has travelled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in recent years